Wittgenstein, On Certainty and Religion

Wittgenstein, On Certainty and Religion 

Although Wittgenstein did not write extensively about religion, his scattered comments and lecture notes have had a lasting impact on the philosophy of religion. In addition to his comments, the views of those influenced by Wittgenstein like D. Z. Phillips, R. F. Holland, Rush Rhees, and Peter Winch, have played a critical role in shaping late 20th-century philosophical thought on religion. Wittgenstein’s remarks in On Certainty concerning topics like hinge epistemology, deep disagreements, testimony, and education have garnered new attention. 

At this online conference, we aim to examine the religious themes in On Certainty, including (but not limited to):

·  Religious deep disagreements (e.g., disagreements within religions, between religions etc)

·  Religious beliefs as hinges

·  Local and universal religious hinges

·  How are Wittgenstein’s thoughts on religious education for children similar or dissimilar to indoctrination? 

·  How do Wittgenstein’s thoughts apply outside of the Christian context? (e.g., Asian or African religions) 

·  Is it possible to develop arguments for atheism through On Certainty?

·  The role of conversion and the gaining of new hinges and losing old ones

·  The difference between religious and scientific certainties

·  Whether some scientific certainties can be religious 

·  The role of testimony and religious education for children 

·  The general role of testimony in the formation of religious belief 

·  Exegetical work concerning On Certainty and other Wittgensteinian texts on religion